I am not going to use the fact that Arsenal were on the wrong end of the decisions of the referee and his assistants for the first three of the four goals scored by Southampton as the reason we lost this Premier League away game. It was unlucky on us but these things happen and they were simple mistakes by the officials and these things can happen in football.
Arsenal were pretty lacklustre from the start and that was one of the major reasons for us losing this game so heavily. An absolute wonder striker from their fill in right back got them off and running but I think we also need to look at the reasons the Gunners struggled so much to create chances.
That was the first time we failed to score in the league since mid September, coincidentally enough another game that referee decisions had a big impact on. And I felt that the way John MOss reffed this game did have a significant influence.
Ronald Koeman got his tactics right and his players implemented them well by pressing us hard and not giving our big players any time or space on the ball. So the l;ikes of Giroud, Ozil and Ramsey struggled to have any impact. But the Saints were helped to do this by the lax approach of the ref.
On another day there would have been a lot more free kicks and quite a few yellow cards for persistent fouling. We will never know if that would have allowed our creative talent to shine through and made this a different game but it would surely have helped.
Victor Wanyama in particular was allowed to get away with all sorts and even after a studs up sliding tackle on Ramsey did not get booked. So all in all the home team got every bit of help they needed to implement their tactics which, unfortunately we could not cope with on the night.
A series of unfortunate events for the Arsenal.
If that wonder goal had not gone in, we would be sitting at the top of the table.
Due to the goal, Koemans start game tactics were already warmed up for the win, the momentum, the confidence, the crowd etc were all in favour of Southampton. Whilst Arsenal had to change everything up.
perhaps players were tired? maybe this would be the time to make as many subs as possible. esp for flam. start ox,chambers,gabriel. but we dont have a sub for flam! lack of summer cdm activitiy bites again wenger. we need to have a squad of 30 to play twice a week cuz 10 will be injured, and if we play the same 11 we played in midweek, then we get tiredness (physical) and mental tiredness (lack of focus). mert and flam are a weakness for us.
i knew soon as i served cornflakes an there was no sugar…today was gonna go wrong.
these r not coincidences. when we were spanked by bayern….earlier that day i choked on a chicken bone
…why didnt i ring arsene ….
It’s settled then, it’s officially your fault. Lol
We didn’t look close to scoring at all. Absolutely no penetration. I feel this was a game that would have suited Rosicky or Wilshere’s driving runs through the middle. We also need a more mobile striker up front.
By the way, am I the only one worried about Bellerin’s form? Dude needs to work on his deliveries in the final third.
He’s playing behind Campbell. I like the guy but he’s not good enough. There was no confidence in the squad. I’m surprised Kos didn’t react to long clipping him. Man I wouldn’t been pissed. The way they played reminded me of when we beat Bayern. Walcott ran between the back line of Bayern and we counter attacked all game. Hurry back Alexis, Coq, and Cazorla
This is what happens when you rely on Flamini, he’s not fit to be a starter, he can only play a few games then he’s awaful. We needed Coquelin in this type of game as well as Sanchez’s driving runs.
No excuse!
Absolutely diabolical!
# Wenger OUT!! ???